The inaugural Red Mango Arts Festival to be held at Durban’s Sastri College, marks 165 years since the arrival of Indians in South Africa with a carefully curated five-day line-up of multi-cultural theatre, music, comedy, and community connection, from October 8 to 11.

The brainchild of internationally acclaimed actor and acting coach, Rajesh Gopie, who is passionate about sharing unique stories of his home city, has put together a theatre programme of important works seldom seen in Durban, which focus on intergenerational voices, personal and cultural identity, and bold narratives.

“The festival is a heartfelt theatre-led tribute to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of South African Indians. It’s where legacy meets innovation, and where stories once silenced are given a powerful voice,” says Gopie.

The Red Mango Arts Festival is a homegrown celebration of South African heritage, using the transformative power of performance to reflect on the past, inspire the present, and shape a more inclusive future.

The programme comprises stories which honour the heritage of South African Indians, being performed alongside a major musical, two productions for young audiences, a magic show, and a cultural concert. Wednesday and Thursday are designed with pupils and seniors in mind – featuring age-appropriate theatre, storytelling, and workshops that spark imagination and honour cultural memory.

From Friday to Sunday, the festival opens its doors to the public with a rich and diverse line-up. To complement the productions, there is an open stage, food stalls, and a market. Among the highlights are Letters of Suresh, a poetic exploration of identity by Pulitzer-nominated American playwright, Rajiv Joseph.

The four-hander drama is a celebration of the lost art of letter writing: intimate mysteries are revealed through a series of letters between strangers, friends, daughters, and lovers, many with little in common but a hunger for human connection. Performed by Shika Budoo, Sahil Samlal, Shika Maharaj, and Ralph Lawson. Directed by Rajesh Gopie, The Boy Friend offers a modern take on the timeless musical delight by the TUT Department of Performing Arts. When the leading lady of a low-budget musical revue sprains her ankle, the assistant stage manager is forced to understudy and perform in her place, becoming a star and finding love in the process.

ALSO READ: Excitement mounts for 27th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience

The original Broadway cast featured Julie Andrews in her debut role and Polly, and the 1971 movie version featured Twiggy in the title role. Two proudly Durban one-handers are on the bill: Roti Queen and Out of Bounds. Roti Queen is a solo comedy by Shika Budoo and directed by Dhaveshan Govender. Marriage is a dance between love, sacrifice, and personal identity.

Amrita, once a professional dancer, unravels domestication, dedication and life’s decisions as she makes a fresh batch of roti for her 19th anniversary dinner.

Out of Bounds has become a South African classic written and performed by Rajesh Gopie. Using 28 different characters, Gopie, often humorously, tells the story of Lal Lachund, a young Indian man growing up in 1980s South Africa, who lives with his parents and extended family in a cramped house in Inanda.

There are two children’s shows for young audiences to open the festival: The Great Family Adventure, a show for children by Adi Paxton, and Sthandwa and the Nature Thieves, a show for children, directed by Ralph Lawson, about brave little Sthandwa who has to stand up to the Nature Thieves to save the planet. Featuring Mpilo Nzimande, Nozipho Chiliza and Nkonzo Zozi.

Two special once-off productions for the whole family have been included: Why Magic! A magic show by Sahil Samlal and a variety-show format musical concert, featuring Karendra Devroop, Melvin Peters, Alicia Daniels, Kerolin Govender, Ken Chanlal, among others, as well as up-and-coming comedians to share the stage in this lively and fun-packed show.

Sastri College is a living part of the story. With deep roots in the community and a proud legacy in education and the arts, its collaboration with Red Mango ensures meaningful student involvement, technical expertise, and academic support – underscoring the festival’s commitment to education, inclusion, and cultural celebration.

Booking and full programme can be found through Webtickets.